The Top Places To See Father Christmas This Year

by | Oct 3, 2023 | Blog, Christmas

Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent and have little ones to entertain this Christmas, one thing is for sure, they will want to go and visit the big man himself.

You can go and visit Father Christmas all around the Cotswolds, from garden centers to shopping centers, on trains and tractors (we are in the countryside!).

So where are the best tried and tested locations to spend your time and money on a visit?

 

With multiple children and grandchildren between us, we’ve been to quite a few different grottos and will share our favorites with you here.

 

1. Evesham Light Railway

Hop on board the miniature steam train at Evesham Light Railway, chug along the tracks on a lovely little ride, and then pull back into the station and head over to Santa’s Grotto.

You’ll be treated to a mince pie on arrival while you wait for Father Christmas to see you and give the children an early Christmas gift.

 

2. Cattle Country

In true Cotswold style, you and the children will be taken on a farmyard ride on a tractor to see some of the working farms here at Cattle Country before being taken to the barn where Santa has his very own grotto and will chat with the children and give them a gift.

There is an additional price on top of the entry price for this event and you must book in advance to avoid disappointment as it can get booked up quite quickly.

 

3. Great Western Steam Railway

Choose from two magical opportunities to see Father Christmas on the GWSR, either with Santa riding in the carriages and coming around to visit each and every child, or hopping on board a steam train at Cheltenham station that will take you to Winchcombe to see Father Christmas in his very special grotto.

Riding the steam train isn’t the cheapest way to see Father Christmas but is really rather magical, I can remember doing this in my childhood and being amazed by the whole day.

 

4. Eastnor Estate

If you want to see Father Christmas with a difference this year then head for Eastnor Estate where they’ll be doing visits by Land Rover!

Go for an exciting one-hour experience riding through inclines, descents, water, and more before rocking up to see the big man himself.

 

5. Corinium Museum

At the Corinium Museum, you can take the little ones to see Father Christmas and read some stories featuring elves, penguins, and polar bears before receiving an early Christmas gift.

 

6. Perrygrove Railway

Another magical Christmas railway trip can be found here at Perrygrove Railway in the Forest of Dean.

Children will be treated to seeing Santa actually come down the chimney right before their eyes, with festive storytelling, mince pies, and presents, a really magical day out.

 

7. Puzzlewood

If you fancy a woodland adventure on the way to see Father Christmas then head for Puzzlewood which is Little Red Riding Hood-themed this year.

You’ll walk through the gorgeous forest all the way to Grandma’s house where you’ll see Father Christmas hiding out.

 

8. Narnia at Cheltenham Town Hall

For any fans of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this is an absolute must. Tickets don’t come cheap but this event sounds totally magical.

Enter through the wardrobe just like in the book and be met by Mr. Tumnus and The White Witch in the land of Narnia.

There will be food and you’ll get to see Father Christmas and receive a gift.

 

9. Clearwell Caves

Even when it’s not Christmas, Clearwell Caves is a magical setting and even more so at this time of the year.

Your visit will follow the enchanting tale of Cora and the Bloobious Bright through wonderful displays, before reaching the grotto to see Father Christmas himself.

 

10. Cruising in Gloucester

And cruising in at number ten is a special boat trip from the Gloucester Waterways Museum where you’ll get to Father Christmas as he boards the boat bringing Christmas cheer and maybe even some presents,

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